Catalyst and a process for catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide-containing gas and hydrogen streams to hydrocarbons

Abstract

The invention relates to a catalyst suitable for use in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide-containing gas, said catalyst comprising spinel phase of the formula [Fe 2+ (Fe 3+ y Al 3+ 1-y ) 2 O 4 ]. Processes for preparing the catalyst and processes for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide-containing gas in the presence of the catalyst are also disclosed.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A catalyst suitable for use in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide-containing gas, said catalyst comprising spinel phase of the following formula:
   [Fe 2+ (Fe 3+   y Al 3+   1-y ) 2 O 4 ]  Formula 1
 
 wherein y is from 0.25 to 0.75, having surface area of not less than 80 m 2 /gram, and wherein the catalyst is copper-free and is devoid of hematite phase, metallic iron, Fe 3 O 4  and Fe-carbide, wherein the catalyst further comprises potassium on its surface. 
 
     
     
       2. A catalyst according to  claim 1 , wherein y is from 0.3 to 0.7. 
     
     
       3. A catalyst according to  claim 1 , wherein the spinel of Formula 1 has average crystal size in the range from 1.5 to 3 nm, as measured by X-Ray diffraction (XRD). 
     
     
       4. A catalyst according to  claim 1 , having surface area between 80 m 2 /g and 180 m 2 /g.